Fiddlehead Fern

Appears in

Published 2014

Identification: This spring vegetable is the early shoot of a fern, usually ostrich fern, harvested just as it emerges from the ground. It consists of a tightly curled stem lined with the tiniest beginnings of leaves. It is usually handled and cooked like tender asparagus.
Evaluation: Look for jade green, firm and resilient, not wilted, fiddleheads with fresh-looking, not spoiled, cut ends and leaf tips.
Preparation: Trim the cut ends. Rinse well.
Percentage Yield: 85%